Another wave, and I was back to my routine as I headed down through the center of campus. I didn’t have much left to do, but I could go to the library and work more on transcribing my book of shadows. I slowly walked past groups of others sitting at picnic tables. They chatted and kicked their feet up like the perfect photo for the college catalog.
At one table, my roommate looped her bronze hair over her shoulder. Natalie looked me up and down when she noticed me. Without a word, she turned away, back into conversation with the rest of her well-dressed group. The student council.
The student council that got together one Thursday a month.
Today was Thursday.
Over the past few days, the idea of my Samhain celebration on campus had somehow been pushed to the back of my mind. Other things had been taking up the space. There were the expected looks from my professors, as I still hadn’t declared what would be written on my degree. There was Gertie offering me my dreams. Then, there was also Ryan Gardner. And since when had a guy ever infiltrated my life and thoughts this much?
Ryan Gardner, who had stepped into my life like it was no big deal after we actively avoided each other for two years. Ryan Gardner, who everyone fawned over and hyped up, whether they knew who he was or not. Ryan Gardner, who I felt like I was just beginning to fully understand, and not from rumors or judgments.
Ryan Gardner, with his messy strawberry-blond hair. Ryan Gardner, with the sharp laugh. Ryan Gardner—
I was likely going insane.
Ryan Gardner was just up ahead. He limped, exciting the athletic complex with a backpack that looked like it was about to take him down for the count.
I rushed a few steps forward to him. “Are you okay?”
“Aw, look at you. Luella Pierce, coming to my rescue.” Ryan tried to smile as I grabbed his backpack from his one shoulder. He sighed with heavy gratitude. “Thank you.”
“You look like you’re about to fall over.”
He groaned, taking another step, slightly less zombie-like than the previous. “Fine. Just sore. All over. I’m not a fan of physical therapy, and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”
“What?” I asked, understanding now that this mess was intentional. “Are you a fan of it?”
“We have a love-hate relationship.” Ryan corrected his previous words. “Right now, it is leaning toward the hate.”
Clearly. I leaned up next to him for a bit of support, unable to hide my surprise when Ryan slung his arm around my shoulders.
“So, how are you?”
“I’m, uh,” I started. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” His eyebrows flared upward.
“Lot on my mind.”
“Seems like that’s becoming a habit.”
Unfortunately.
“No decision on the major front yet?”
I hummed, more focused on him not falling over himself than being serious. “I’m thinking medieval studies or maybe dance. I haven’t given that one a go yet.”
“Good choice. Let me know when the recital is.”
I snorted a laugh.
“Want to share anything actually bothering you?”
“It’s …”You, I wanted to finish with, if I was being honest. Only I didn’t.
After two nights ago, I hadn’t heard from Ryan. I figured he was busy. Or maybe I really didn’t ruin everything with my mouth. Literally. I took a few more steps with him.
“Not that I don’t want to hear what happened in the past forty-eight hours, but I think I better sit down soon,” said Ryan, interrupting my thoughts. “We could go back to my place?”
